Sprucing up your kitchen can be an exciting project, especially if it’s in drastic need of a makeover, or if you simply want to give it a fresh, new look. However, it can be tough to figure out what exactly you need to do to achieve your desired effect, more so if you’re bereft of any experience with interior decorating. You may not even know where exactly to start, making things even more challenging!
In such cases, the first bit of well-meaning advice that you may get is to just hire a professional and let them remodel your kitchen to how you want it to be. However, this can cost you hundreds to even thousands of dollars. Thankfully, there are many ways to make your kitchen better, and not all of them has the potential of breaking the bank. Let’s look at six of the best methods.
Swap out your kitchen cabinet doors for customised ones
Sometimes, all it takes to give your kitchen a completely new look is to replace the doors of your kitchen cabinets with customised ones that are more in keeping with the style and colours that you want. Of course, this may mean you having to rip apart your precious antique cabinets, but not if you’ve got fittings like Ikea Metod or Ikea Faktum kitchen cabinets installed in your kitchen.
These high-quality and affordable kitchen cabinet systems are not only attractive and functional, they’re also quite modifiable, mostly due to the fact that they come out of the box disassembled, and as such, can be just as easy to take apart. As a result, you can remove the drawer fronts and cabinet doors and swap them out easily with customised Ikea doors of your own choosing. There are quite a few companies in Australia that offer such a service, so you’ll definitely be spoiled when it comes to choice. Consider this remodelling tip, and see what a huge change swapping out drawer fronts and kitchen cabinet doors can make!
Hang up wall artwork or family pictures
Are your kitchen walls bare and devoid of anything decorative other than a boring coat of paint or wallpaper? If so, then you may want to consider hanging up a select piece of artwork or even lovingly framed family photos. They can do wonders in terms of giving your kitchen a more personalised and lived-in atmosphere, and they can also serve as a great conversation starter when you end up having to entertain guests there. If you’d rather keep things generic while still having that artistic edge, then painting your walls with a more exciting colour will probably suffice. You can also opt for a wallpaper with bigger or more vibrant patterns.
Feature collectibles or memorabilia proudly on high shelving
Do you have an extensive collection of tchotchkes, dolls, figurines, or decorative plates? If your answer is yes, and all they’ve been doing is collecting dust in your closet, then you can definitely use them to give your kitchen the new look it deserves. Simply have high shelving installed—such as above your windows or a foot or so below your kitchen ceiling—and use that space to proudly display your cherished collection. This will enhance the homey and warm feel of your kitchen, as well as give you something to talk about with your guests when the conversation runs dry.
Upgrade your appliances
Sometimes, all a kitchen needs to refresh its look is to have its old appliances swapped out for newer, later models. Depending on your kitchen’s current layout and theme, introducing a brand-new appliance can drastically affect its appearance and atmosphere. For example, exchanging your old, worn-down refrigerator for a new model with a brushed aluminium exterior can create real modern look when paired with minimalist kitchen cabinets. The same goes for an industrial steel stove or a sophisticated espresso machine on your decadent granite countertop.
Experiment with lighting
Another way to revamp your kitchen’s look and feel in a cost-effective way is to change its lighting. Instead of the usual modern LED or fluorescent bars, bring in some antique milk glass lamps or pendant light fixtures equipped with warm lighting. You can also use mini-spotlights or accent lights to give key areas of your kitchen some added prominence, such as a beloved collectible on display or a particularly cherished family photo you’ve put up on the kitchen wall.
You don’t have to spend much to give your kitchen a new look
Sprucing up your kitchen doesn’t have to involve thousands of dollars, or getting a part of your home demolished for renovation. Consider the simple yet effective ideas listed above to give your kitchen a brand new flavour that not only exudes your own personality and style, but also keeps within a reasonable budget.
